Quanzhou Puppet Art Troupe

　　"There is no better way of promoting this folk art and our troupe than giving stage performance," Wang said. "We get on to show, and to learn at the same time."

　　He believes that puppetry tends to lose vitality if it does not change with the times. "There are some classical plays with lasting appeal but new and diverse themes adapted to modern taste are always needed."

　　In 2002, Wang's play "Ancient Art, New Feature," with integrated plots from classical plays, won the 10th national level Wenhua Prize for its performance.

　　Always on the go

　　"With its market and artistic value, puppet show deserves a larger audience," said Wang.

　　Last August, the local government and media decided to invest in the first marionette TV play.

　　Producer Chen Jianyu, a Quanzhou-native filmmaker and movie critic, pledged to have a super production team, with prestigious playwright, director, art designer and cameramen joining in.

　　Wang co-authored with the famous cartoon playwright Xiang Hua, author of "Lotus Lantern" (Baolian Deng). The new play reflects relationship between mankind themselves as well as mankind and nature. Eternal theme, surprising plots and character image with modern art taste, the little puppets will have all.

　　"A marionette TV play does not simply screen stage performance as what it is, but a new creation using movie and television tactics. It is complemented with additional folk features, computer animation and other special effects," said director Xu Tongjun.

　　"But in a whole, the play looks classical, we do not go so far as to give in to cheesy colours and large props," he said. "Strings and threads of the puppet remain seen."

　　However, Wang believes it is a breakthrough to present marionette show on television, but screen can never take the place of stage.

　　With more people getting to know this art, more audiences will be drawn to the puppet theatre and even take it up as a hobby or career," he said.